Raul delighted to be back in Gelsenkirchen

Spanish icon Raul will line-up for two sides on Saturday when Schalke host Al-Sadd in a match organised to celebrate the veteran striker.

The former Real Madrid striker guided Al-Sadd to their first national title in five years this season after joining the Qatari side from Schalke in 2012.

He will play one half for Al-Sadd, and another for Schalke, when they face each other in Gelsenkirchen and the 36-year-old is elated at the opportunity to grace the turf of the Veltins Arena once more.

"I am so happy. After two years here, I consider Schalke like my house," Raul said.

"Since the tickets went out on sale, we're selling 20,000, 30,000 (and) each day had more tickets sold and for me it's a proud moment to come back to my home.

"I'm so happy to play one half with my team Al Sadd and the other with Schalke.

"It's a proud moment to wear a Schalke jersey again and enjoy it with the people who gave me a lot of affection. I hope tomorrow will be a great party and everyone will enjoy it."

Raul also touched on his decision to play in Qatar, insisting he is happy with the lifestyle it provides after nearly 20 years of playing at the highest level in Europe.

"I had to take a decision about whether to keep playing at a high level or have another experience and Qatar gave me another experience and more quality of life for me and my family," he said.

"I was playing football and travelling every week for 19 years and Qatar gave me the opportunity to keep playing at a low level but with more quality of life. And that was a moment where I needed it."